Christian Sirano, winner of Project Runway, revealed his Fall 2013 collection theme last week -- dressing for an evening at a Russian opera.  Inspired by a book on Russian opera houses, he created a wardrobe complete with day looks, cocktail dresses, performance night attire right down to the glamorous shoes.

We love the theme of course and surprised to find the shoe collection seen on the runway coming to Payless Shoe Source of all places. Just in time for Carmen this fall!

Jezebel provides a lovely slide show of the collection.

(Geraldine Farrar as Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly, 1908. Photo from Everett Collection)

Following the 1898 short story Madame Butterfly by John Luther Long, Giacomo Puccini made Cio-Cio San famous with his opera in 1904.  The beauty and mystery of Japan's geisha culture have been the fascination of the western world for more than two centuries.  The origin of the geisha dates back to the late 600s and there are still modern geishas working in Japan today having studied the same traditional instruments, songs, calligraphy, dances, tea ceremony, literature and poetry of their predecessors. 

Cio-Cio San being 15 years old when we meet her in Madame Butterfly, could have been a geisha apprentice or maiko.  The maiko was easily identified by her colorful clothing, heavy makeup and elaborate hair style and hair pins. 

The young maiko would also have very subtle differences in her makeup application from a full-fledged geisha. Red around the eyes, shortened eybrows and lipstick mixed with crystallized sugar applied only to the bottom lip are hallmarks of the maiko.  This look has come to be the Western ideal of what a geisha looks like.   

(Geraldine Farrar as Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly, 1916. Photo from Corbis)

Vogue Italia has put together a lovely photo restrospective of the geisha from traditional images dating back to 1890, through the evolving culture in the 1950's to modern film and fashion.  Click here to view the album. Then see the beautiful Oksana Dyka as Cio-Cio San in a beautiful and classic production of Madame Butterfly opening November 17. 

Even from the view of the farthest seats, the stunning gowns in The Two Foscari add startling splashes of color to the dark mood and eerie lighting effects of the opera. 

Seen here moments before taking the stage, drama is as much in the backs of these gowns as in the front.  Modern embellishments, jewelry pieces and make up palettes bring another layer of sophistication to Mattie Ullrich's designs and to the entire production. Makes one wonder if stars known for their wardrobe theatrics like Lady Gaga aren't lurking in the back row at the opera looking for inspiration....

 In honor of Vogue Magazine's 120th anniversary, they've put together a quick shopping guide of Vogue-vetted fashion and accessories for Fall, under $120.  We are especially fond of the Baroque selection including Givenchy brooches and eShakti's Flame of the Forest dress (owned by yours truly). 

Weeknights draw a different kind of chic to the opera house and the first KCRW Night (9/28) of the season was no exception.  Although black tie isn't necessary on a weeknight, style is the name of the game. 

All photos courtesy of Julia Mafalda Photography

Short and sexy in light fabrics for the win.

So, you've got this long, sheer flowing gown that makes you look all ethereal and you've got no place to wear it...or do you?

L.A. isn't without its theatrics and at LA Opera, we like our drama.  These examples do the trick. 

Ildebrando D'Arcangelo, the star of DON GIOVANNI is flanked by KCRW DJ Jeremy Sole and his lovely girlfriend who provided sweet vocals to the after party.

Dressing up sometimes means dressing down or at least leaving the sparkles and studs for another occasion.  These two statuesque beauties really toned it down and managed to stand out in the crowd.

Don Draper would be a tad jealous. There's something about a crisp white shirt, a well-tied tie and a man toting champagne.

Weeknights in L.A. are chock full of interesting and culturally stimulating things to do.  So, put on that jacket or dress that makes you feel like a super hero (like these guests clearly did) and make a night of it! In case you were wondering, black is always fashionable in L.A.

It is ok to ignore what your mother or grandmother told you about matching your bag with your shoes.  Here the "this-doesn't-match" accessory makes the look.  We like the white handbag and the leopard pumps.